“It should come as no surprise that Republicans have decided to adjourn this legislative session earlier than any other since 1970. With Wisconsin’s fiscal picture rapidly deteriorating and the public still furious over their ruthless and unnecessary slash-and-burn budget, I understand why the majority is eager to do the walk of shame back to their districts.

“Unfortunately, my colleagues’ decision to take the rest of the year off won’t stop Wisconsin’s problems from multiplying. As one of their own leaders, Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, has predicted, the next budget is not looking good, and it’s easy to see why. Massive tax cuts that disproportionately benefit the wealthy and are in no way tied to job growth have done nothing to improve Wisconsin’s economic outlook, and have increasingly put the state’s fiscal affairs in disarray. The resulting budget hole then gave them a convenient excuse to take a hatchet to our public school classrooms and UW System. Does anyone really believe these kinds of decisions lead to a healthier state or budget?

“My colleagues are about to have a lot of time off. I hope they use some of it to consider that question.”